Insect Projects

INSECT COLLECTION

DUE DATE_________________________________

This year you will be doing an insect collection.   This collection has two purposes.  One, to show you the variety God has given us in creation, and two, to show you some of the organization of his creation.

Specifics on the collections: 
Insect Collection:  Your insect collection should be neatly displayed in a box with a cover. (Large shoebox, cigar box, gift box, etc.).  Cut a piece of thin Styrofoam or foam board to fit the box.  The insects should be pinned in rows, with the names below the specimen.  It is very important that a mothball be anchored in the box as well; this will prevent other bugs from eating your dead insects.  Rare or protected insects, such as Praying Mantis or Walking sticks, should not be killed and mounted.    For butterflies and moths, try to mount the insects with their wings spread.  It is not required, but it brings out the beauty in these beautiful insects.

You will include 10 insects in your collection.

All species must be identified with the following information:

1. Common Name

You will also do a written report on your insects.  Your report needs to be typed and include the following:

• Cover page
• a paragraph about each insect that includes:

• Common and scientific names(If you know it)

• Where you found your insect

• 2 facts from research about each insect

• 1 fact from observation about each insect

 example:

LADYBUG

The ladybug's scietific name is Coccinellidae. I found my ladybug in my mother's flower garden. It was on a Cone flower. There are more than 5000 different species of ladybugs. Ladybugs are useful, because they are a natural means of pest control. The wings on the ladybug that I collected, reminded me of a turle's shell.

Points possible:  100

40 points                    10 insects and properly labeled

10 points                     neatness/creativity

40 points                    written report (paragraph form)

10 points                     following directions and turned in on time

You may add extra insects, but they must also be included in your report.

On the back is an info sheet on collecting and pinning your insects.

There are also many great web sites that can help you.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/youthdevelopment/DA6892.html

http://msucares.com/pubs/infosheets/is657.htm

http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/citybugs/teachercorner/makeOwnCollection.htm

HOW TO KILL YOUR INSECT SPECIMENS

Insect specimens are best killed in special poison bottles or by freezing. When responsible adults are involved a jar containing tissue paper or paper towels and a small quantity of Ethyl Acetate (fingernail polish remover) works well. A less involved method is to just place the insects in a jar and put the jar in the freezer. Both methods work best if the Insects have the folds of tissue paper to crawl in and cling to. Otherwise they all end up on the bottom and may be damaged. Avoid putting moths and butterflies in the same bottle with your other Insects because the wing scales from the moths can coat other Insects. Most collectors keep a special bottle for moths and butterflies if they collect them.

HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR INSECTS

When you preserve an Insect specimen just remember that you are doing it to be able to examine the characteristics that will be used to identify it.  Insects have different acceptable methods of pinning. The general rule is to do it on the right side so the left remains intact. An Insect has two sides, but only one center. If an Insect is too small to pin then it is glued to a small paper triangle. The triangle tip is glued to the right side of the insect leaving the bottom uncovered. The triangle should be stuck on the pin. All Insects are mounted using special longer Insect pins. They are available at hobby stores or in any university bookstore. The pin is just a handle so you can pick-up the specimen without breaking it. Place the insect about 10 mm from the top of the pin to allow finger room.

Insect Collection Grade          Name__________________________

_______10 insects                                               20 points possible

______Properly labeled                                        20 points possible

_____Neatness/creativity (unique insects)           10 points possible

_____Written report:  10 pts. neatness and cover page

                                    20 pts. facts included

                                    10 pts. common and scientific names

_____ Extra insects

_____  Total points                                             100 possible

Comments:

INSECT MODEL PROJECT

Using any scrap material you want, you will design and make your own insect.  Examples of materials you could use are:  pop bottles, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, etc.    As you design your insect, keep in mind everything you have learned about insects in Science. Be creative!!!! 

This project will be worth 100 points.

POINTS TO REMEMBER: 

1.       Does your insect have 3 parts (head, thorax and abdomen)?

2.     Does your insect have 6 legs?

You will answer the questions (on the next page) about your insect.  Please answer each question in complete sentences!

____________________’S  INSECT MODEL

                                 (your name)

____________________________________________

(name of your insect)

1.  Explain your insect’s life cycle:

____________________________________________________________________

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2.  Explain your insect’s eyes:

_________________________________________________________

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3.  Explain your insect’s mouth (chewing mouth or sucking mouth, etc):

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

4.  Does your insect migrate?  If yes, where?

____________________________________________________________________

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5.  What type of protection does your insect have?

____________________________________________________________________

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6.  How does your insect travel? (fly, crawl, swim slink?)

____________________________________________________________________

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7.  Where does your insect live and what does it eat?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

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8.  Is your insect a social insect?

____________________________________________________________________

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9.  What “buggy” thing does your insect do during the day or night?

____________________________________________________________________

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10. Remember:  About half of all the animals in the world are insects.  Scientist have identified 8000,000 different kinds of insects, but they think there are many others that have not been found yet.  Every year, from 7,000 to 10.000 new kinds of insect are discovered and named  This leads Entomologists to think that there may be more than 10 MILLION KINDS OF INSECTS, each with its own unique features and purposes. 

COULD YOU THINK OF TEN MILLION DIFFERENT DESIGNS FOR INSECTS?_________________

Remember GOD DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!